Stockholm university

Baltic Languages

Welcome to the rich and varied history and culture of your neighboring countries! At Stockholm University you can pursue language studies in Latvian and Lithuanian, as well as studies in Baltic culture and history. No prior knowledge in the field is necessary.

Subject description

Latvian and Lithuanian are official languages of the European Union and the state languages of Latvia and Lithuania. At Stockholm University, the focus of instruction is placed not only on language and language history, but also on Baltic history, the history of literature, and cultural history.

During the course of your studies, you will be provided with extensive knowledge about one of the European Union's most dynamic regions. Initially, you will make a choice to study either Latvian or Lithuanian. At the same time, you have the option to study the other Baltic language or take additional courses to gain a bachelor's degree.

If you intend to take advanced level courses, you will be introduced to the latest developments in Baltic linguistics and sociolinguistics, language policies, and language contacts.

Career opportunities

Knowledge of languages is very important if you are considering an international career. English is not always sufficient. Adding more languages to those you already know will give you a competitive edge, regardless of your future profession.

Studying Baltic languages gives you significant advantages in the workplace since many Swedish companies are investing in the rapidly growing Baltic economies or have subsidiaries in the Baltic states. Some students pursue university language studies to become teachers, translators or interpreters. Additionally, an increasing number of students choose languages as an advantageous complement to their study programs in journalism, political science, economics or other subjects.

Courses and programmes

  • PhD studies

    The possibility to pursue PhD studies in Baltic languages is offered every two to three years. Thesis projects are written in a wide variety of subjects, spanning historic to modern times. Recent PhD subjects have covered historic linguistics, sociolinguistics, dialectology, discourse analysis, Cold War propaganda heritage language learning, and language and identity.

Degree

In order to gain a bachelor's degree in Latvian or Lithuanian, you can choose to study individual courses given in each language or join the Bachelor’s Program in Language and Translation.

Research

The possibility to pursue Ph.D. studies in Baltic languages is offered every two to three years. Thesis projects are written in a wide variety of subjects, spanning historic to modern times.

Recent Ph.D. subjects have covered historical linguistics, sociolinguistics, dialectology, discourse analysis, Cold War propaganda heritage language learning, and language and identity.